Stable, concentrated herbicidal compositions

ABSTRACT

A liquid herbicidal composition is provided, comprising:
         a. 20 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient;   b. a C 12 -C 16  alkyl ether sulfate;   c. an organic solvent; and   d. an alkyl polyglucoside       

     The composition is stable; i.e., it occurs in a substantially continuous, single phase at temperatures as low as −20° C. It also has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/353,442, filed Mar. 14, 2019, which is a continuation of abandoned U.S. application Ser. No. 16/117,826, filed Aug. 30, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/593,355, filed May 12, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,091,990, issued Oct. 9, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/731,848 filed Jun. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,063, issued Jun. 13, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/269,813, filed May 5, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,432, issued Jul. 14, 2015, which is a continuation of abandoned U.S. application Ser. No. 13/691,411, filed Nov. 30, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/910,243, filed Oct. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,445,406, issued May 21, 2013, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/347,773, filed Feb. 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,647, issued Nov. 30, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to biologically active crop protection formulations, in particular, herbicidal compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aqueous herbicidal formulations of glufosinate-ammonium have been available for decades as crop protectants. Popular formulations include surfactants, which increase the biological activity of the herbicide. High concentration formulations are being sought as well for the numerous advantages they offer; for example, less packaging is needed than with low-concentration formulations, corresponding to reductions in the cost and inconveniences of production, transit, and storage. Preparation of spray liquors is also simplified by the smaller quantities of crop protectant that need to be handled. However, certain drawbacks have been observed in higher concentration formulations. For example, the biological activity of the active ingredient is dependent on the proportion of active ingredient to surfactant, but if the amount of surfactant is too high, the viscosity of the composition may become too high for easy handling or spraying. Product instability such as phase separation has also been a drawback of highly concentrated formulations. Phase separation is undesirable because the concentration of various essential ingredients is no longer uniform throughout the composition.

-   -   It would be desirable to provide a high-concentration herbicidal         composition that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by         demonstrating enhanced biological activity in a stable         formulation without compromising viscosity requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

-   -   A liquid herbicidal composition is provided, comprising:         -   a. 20 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total weight of             the composition, of a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient;         -   b. a C₁₂-C₁₆ alkyl ether sulfate;         -   c. an organic solvent; and         -   d. an alkyl polyglucoside.     -   The composition is stable, occurring in a substantially         continuous, single phase at temperatures as low as −20° C. It         also has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as         low as 0° C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

-   -   Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise         indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,         reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and         claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances         by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the         contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following         specification and attached claims are approximations that may         vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained         by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an         attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents         to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at         least be construed in light of the number of reported         significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.     -   Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting         forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the         numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported         as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however,         inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the         standard deviation found in their respective testing         measurements.     -   Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited         herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.         For example, a range of 1″ to 10″ is intended to include all         sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1         and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum         value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to         or less than 10.     -   As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all         numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or         percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even         if the term does not expressly appear. Any numerical range         recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed         therein. Plural encompasses singular and vice versa; e.g., the         singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents         unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.         Also, as used herein, the term “polymer” is meant to refer to         prepolymers, oligomers and both homopolymers and copolymers; the         prefix “poly” refers to two or more.     -   With respect to the present invention, the term “stable” as used         herein is intended to refer to physically stable compositions;         i.e., liquid compositions that exist in a substantially         continuous, single phase.     -   In the context of the present invention the term “organic         solvents” refers to, for example, nonpolar solvents, polar         protic solvents, aprotic polar solvents and mixtures thereof.     -   The liquid herbicidal composition of the present invention         comprises a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient (a).         Non-limiting, suitable examples include glufosinate and salts         thereof such as glufosinate-ammonium, glyphosate and salts         thereof, paraquat, diquat, and the like. Mixtures may also be         used.     -   Typically the water-soluble herbicidal ingredient may comprise a         compound of the formula (I) and/or salts thereof:

-   -   wherein Z₁ is a radical of the formula —OM,         —NHCH(CH₃)CONHCH(CH₃)CO₂M, or —NHCH(CH₃)CONHCH[CH₂CH(CH₃)₂]CO₂M,         where M is H or a salt-forming cation.     -   The water-soluble herbicidal ingredient may alternatively or         additionally comprise a compound of the formula (II) and/or         salts thereof:

wherein Z₂ is a radical of the formula CN or CO₂R₁, in which R₁ is a salt-forming cation or is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl or C₆-C₁₀ aryl, which is unsubstituted or substituted, and is often unsubstituted or substituted by one or more radicals such as alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, CF₃, NO₂ and CN; and wherein R₂ and R₃ are each independently H, alkyl or C₆-C₁₀ aryl, which is unsubstituted or substituted and is often unsubstituted or substituted by one or more radicals such as alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, CF₃, NO₂ and CN, or biphenylyl or a salt-forming cation. Typically, the carbon-containing radicals defined as R₂ or R₃ have up to 10 carbon atoms, usually up to 6 carbon atoms.

-   -   Note that the compounds of formula (I) contain an asymmetric         carbon atom. The L enantiomer has been observed to be the         biologically active isomer. The formula (I) therefore is         intended to encompass all stereoisomers and mixtures thereof,         particularly the racemate, and the biologically active         enantiomer in each case. Examples of active ingredients of the         formula (I) include glufosinate and/or its ammonium salt such as         in a racemic mixture; i.e.,         2-amino-4[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]butanoic acid and its         ammonium salt, the L enantiomer of glufosinate and its ammonium         salt or other salts such as potassium, sodium, diethylamine,         triethylamine, bilanafos/bialaphos; e.g.,         L-2-amino-4-[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]butanoyl-L-alaninyl-L-alanine         and its sodium salt.     -   The water-soluble herbicidal ingredient may be present in the         composition of the present invention in an amount of 20 to 35         percent by weight, often 20 to 30 percent by weight, and more         often 22 to 28 percent by weight, based on the total weight of         the composition. Note that because the water-soluble herbicidal         ingredient is typically provided in a 50 percent by weight         aqueous solution, an equal amount of water is usually provided         with the water-soluble herbicidal ingredient. The numbers in the         ranges above reflect the amount of herbicide only, not the total         solution amount. Additional water may be added as necessary.     -   The composition of the present invention further comprises an         alkyl ether sulfate (b). Alkyl ether sulfates are generally         defined as salts of sulfated adducts of ethylene oxide with         fatty alcohols containing from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. The alkyl         ether sulfates used in the composition of the present invention         are commercially available and may contain a linear aliphatic         group having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, usually from 12 to 16         carbon atoms. The degree of ethoxylation may be from 1 to 10         moles of ethylene oxide, usually 2 to 4 moles of ethylene oxide.         Examples include sodium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl         ether sulfate, and other salts of lauryl ether sulfate. The         alkyl ether sulfate most often used in composition of the         present invention is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES);         typically supplied as an approximate 70% active solution,         derived either from vegetable or petroleum sources.     -   The alkyl ether sulfate may be present in the composition of the         present invention in an amount of 3 to 35 percent by weight,         often 10 to 30 percent by weight, more often 20 to 30 percent by         weight, based on the total weight of the composition.     -   The composition of the present invention further comprises an         organic solvent (c). Suitable solvents may include cyclic         alcohols such as tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol; aliphatic alcohols,         such as alkanols having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, usually 1 to 6         carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol         and butanol, for example, or polyhydric alcohols such as         ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and         glycerol; ethers such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF),         and dioxane; alkylene glycol monoalkyl and dialkyl ethers, such         as propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl         ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl and monoethyl ether, diglyme,         and tetraglyme, for example; amides such as dimethylformamide         (DMF), dimethylacetamide, dimethylcaprylamide, dimethylcapramide         (HALLCOMID®), and N-alkylpyrrolidones; ketones such as acetone,         cyclohexanone, acetophenone, butrylolactone; esters based on         glyceryl and carboxylic acids, such as glyceryl mono-, di- and         triacetate, phthalic esters, ethyl lactate, 2-ethylhexyl         lactate; lactams; carbonic diesters; nitriles such as         acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, and benzonitrile;         sulfoxides and sulfones such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and         sulfolane; carbonates such as propylene or butylene carbonate.         Combinations of different solvents, additionally containing         alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n- and isopropanol, and n-,         iso-, tert- and 2-butanol, are also suitable.     -   Solvents that are most often used in the composition of the         present invention include individual solvents or solvent         mixtures that are substantially miscible with water, in order to         maintain the phase stability of the composition.     -   The organic solvent may be present in the composition of the         present invention in an amount of 1 to 20 percent by weight,         often 3 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of         the composition.     -   The alkyl polyglucosides (d) which may be used in the present         invention are those corresponding to formula (III):

R₄O(R₅O)_(b)(Z₃)_(a)  (III)

-   -   wherein R₄ is a monovalent organic radical having from 6 to 30         carbon atoms; R₅ is a divalent alkylene radical having from 2 to         4 carbon atoms; Z₃ is a glucose residue having 5 or 6 carbon         atoms; b is a number ranging from 0 to 12; and a is a number         ranging from 1 to 6. Non-limiting examples of commercially         available alkyl polyglucosides include, for example, APG®,         AGNIQUE®, or AGRIMUL® surfactants from Cognis Corporation,         Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlox surfactants from Uniqema, New Castle,         Del. 19720; or AG surfactants from AKZO NOBEL Surface Chemistry,         LLC, such as:     -   1. AGNIQUE PG 8105 Surfactant—an alkyl polyglucoside in which         the alkyl group contains 8 to 10 carbon atoms and having an         average degree of polymerization of 1.5.     -   2. AGNIQUE PG 8166 Surfactant—an alkyl polyglucoside in which         the alkyl group contains 8 to 16 carbon atoms and having an         average degree of polymerization of 1.6.     -   3. AGNIQUE PG 266 Surfactant—an alkyl polyglucoside in which the         alkyl group contains 12 to 16 carbon atoms and having an average         degree of polymerization of 1.6.     -   4. AGNIQUE PG 9116 Surfactant—an alkyl polyglucoside in which         the alkyl group contains 9 to 11 carbon atoms and having an         average degree of polymerization of 1.6.     -   5. AGNIQUE PG 264-U Surfactant—an alkyl polyglucoside in which         the alkyl group contains 12 to 16 carbon atoms and having an         average degree of polymerization of 1.4.     -   6. AGNIQUE PG 8107 Surfactant—a C₈₋₁₆ alkyl polyglucoside in         which the alkyl group contains 8 to 10 carbon atoms and having         an average degree of polymerization of 1.7.     -   7. AGNIQUE PG 266 Surfactant—a C₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl polyglucoside in         which the alkyl group contains 12 to 16 carbon atoms and having         an average degree of polymerization of 1.6.     -   8. AL 2575/AL 535 Surfactant—a C₈₋₁₁ alkyl polyglucoside in         which the alkyl group contains 8 to 11 carbon atoms and having a         HLB 12-13.     -   9. Akzo Nobel AG 6202, AG 6206, or AG 6210 surfactants which are         2 ethylhexyl branched C₈; linear hexyl C₆; and linear C₈-C₁₀         alkyl polyglucosides respectively.     -   The alkyl polyglucoside may typically comprise a C₆-C₁₆ alkyl         polyglucoside. The alkyl polyglucosides most often used in the         composition of the present invention are those of formula III         wherein R₄ is a monovalent organic radical having from 8 to 10         carbon atoms; b is zero; and a is a number having a value from 1         to 3, typically 1.5 to 1.7, often 1.6.     -   The alkyl polyglucoside may be present in the composition of the         present invention in an amount of 1 to 15 percent by weight,         often 6 to 12 percent by weight, based on the total weight of         the composition.     -   While the liquid herbicidal compositions of the present         invention may be waterborne or solventborne, they are more often         waterborne (aqueous).     -   In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of         the water-soluble herbicidal ingredient (a) to the alkyl ether         sulfate (b) may range from 1:0.2 to 1:5.0, often 1:0.8 to 1:1.2.         In addition, the weight ratio of the water-soluble herbicidal         ingredient (a) to the organic solvent (c) may range from 1:0.02         to 1:1, often 1:0.1 to 1:0.3. While not intending to be bound by         theory, it has been observed that keeping the ratios of the         various ingredients within these ranges enhances the biological         activity of the herbicidal ingredient compared to when it is         used alone, without compromising the stability of the         composition. Moreover, the viscosity of the composition may be         maintained within a desired range.     -   Unlike concentrated herbicidal compositions of the prior art,         the composition of the present invention is both stable and         sprayable over a wide temperature range. The viscosity of the         composition is typically no more than 2000 cps, often no more         than 1500 cps, more often no more than 1000 cps, at temperatures         as low as 0° C. Viscosity may be measured using any technique         known to those skilled in the art, for example, using a         Brookfield Synchro-lectric Model LVT Viscometer. An apparent         viscosity is measured by first stirring the sample with a glass         rod for 10 seconds, placing the sample on the instrument,         turning the instrument on, and measuring the value after 3         revolutions of the measuring dial. Typically the measurement is         made using a #3 spindle rotating at 30 RPMs; however depending         upon the viscosity of the sample, different spindles and         differing rotational speeds can be utilized, as known by those         skilled in the art.     -   The composition of the present invention may optionally include         auxiliary agents commonly used in herbicide formulations and         known to those skilled in the art. Examples include wetting         agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, penetrants, preservatives,         antifreezes and evaporation inhibitors such as glycerol and         ethylene or propylene glycol, sorbitol, sodium lactate, fillers,         carriers, colorants including pigments and/or dyes, pH modifiers         (buffers, acids, and bases), salts such as calcium, magnesium,         ammonium, potassium, sodium, and/or iron chlorides, fertilizers         such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, urea, and         defoamers.     -   Suitable defoamers include all customary defoamers including         silicone-based and those based upon perfluoroalkyl phosphinic         and phosphonic acids, in particular silicone-based defoamers,         such as silicone oils, for example.     -   Defoamers most commonly used are those from the group of linear         polydimethylsiloxanes having an average dynamic viscosity,         measured at 25° C., in the range from 1000 to 8000 mPas         (mPas=millipascal-second), usually 1200 to 6000 mPas, and         containing silica. Silica includes polysilicic acids,         meta-silicic acid, ortho-silicic acid, silica gel, silicic acid         gels, kieselguhr, precipitated SiO₂, and the like.     -   Defoamers from the group of linear polydimethylsiloxanes contain         as their chemical backbone a compound of the formula         HO—[Si(CH₃)₂—O—]_(n)—H, in which the end groups are modified, by         etherification for example, or are attached to the groups         Si(CH₃)₃. Non-limiting examples of defoamers of this kind are         RHODORSIL® Antifoam 416 (Rhodia) and RHODORSIL® Antifoam 481         (Rhodia). Other suitable defoamers are RHODORSIL® 1824,         ANTIMUSSOL 4459-2 (Clariant), Defoamer V 4459 (Clariant), SE         Visk and AS EM SE 39 (Wacker). The silicone oils can also be         used in the form of emulsions.     -   The present invention will further be described by reference to         the following examples. The examples are merely illustrative of         the invention and are not intended to be limiting. Unless         otherwise indicated, all parts are by weight.

EXAMPLES

-   -   The following examples (1 to 9) illustrate the preparation of         various herbicidal compositions, demonstrating combinations of         co-solvents and alkyl polyglucosides and their combined effects         on stability. Examples 1, 3, and 7 are illustrative of the         invention while Examples 2, 4-6, 8, and 9 are comparative. The         ingredients were mixed together in a suitable vessel at room         temperature in the order listed and were observed for phase         separation at room temperature. Note that ingredients may be         mixed in other sequences, For example, the herbicide may be         added to the solvent package, provided the solution does not         phase separate.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Glufosinate 50% 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 SLES (sodium lauryl 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 ether sulfate) 70% BREAK THRU S200¹ 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 THFA 7.00 7.00 7.00 (tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol) Propylene glycol 7.00 7.00 7.00 monomethyl ether Dipropylene Glycol 7.00 7.00 7.00 Iso-propanol 3.00 3.00 3.00 Iso-Butanol 3.00 3.00 3.00 1-Butanol 3.00 3.00 3.00 ¹Ethoxylated trisiloxane available from Degussa Corporation

AKZO 6206 Linear 5.00 5.00 5.00 Hexyl polyglycoside² AKZO 6202 2- 5.00 5.00 5.00 ethylhexyl polyglycoside³ AL 2575 C8-10 5.00 5.00 5.00 Alkyl polyglycoside⁴ Sodium Xylene 1.75 1.75 1.75 Sulfonate 40% aqueous Sodium Toluene 1.75 1.75 1.75 Sulfonate 40% aqueous Ammonium Sulfate, 0.70 0.70 0.70 Granular FLUOWET PL80B⁵ 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Deionized Water 1.05 1.05 1.05 RESULTS: Separation of sample No Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes ²Linear hexyl polyglucoside available from Akzo Nobel AG ³2 ethylhexyl branched polyglucoside available from Akzo Nobel ⁴C₈₋₁₁alkyl polyglucoside in which the alkyl group contains 8 to 11 carbon atoms and has a HLB 12-13 ⁵Defoamer available from Clariant

Examples 10 to 12

-   -   Examples 10 to 12 illustrate the effects of dipropylene glycol         with various co-solvents. Example 10 is a composition of the         present invention while Examples 11 and 12 are comparative.

10 11 12 % grams % grams % grams INGREDIENT: Glufosinate 50% 44.00 88.00 44.00 88.00 44.00 88.00 SLES 70% 38.00 76.00 38.00 76.00 38.00 76.00 BREAK THRU S200 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 Dipropylene Glycol 7.00 14.00 7.00 14.00 7.00 14.00 Iso-propanol 3.00 6.00 Iso-butanol 3.00 6.00 1-butanol 3.00 6.00 AKZO 6206 Linear 5.00 10.00 Hexyl polyglycoside AKZO 6202 2- 5.00 10.00 ethylhexl polyglycoside AL 2575 C8-C10 5.00 10.00 Alkyl polyglycoside Sodium Xylene 1.75 3.50 Sulfonate 40% Sodium Toluene 1.75 3.50 Sulfonate 40% PLANTAPON 1.75 3.50 CMGS¹ FLUOWET PL80B 0.25 0.50 0.25 0.50 0.25 0.50 TOTAL: 100.00 200.00 100.00 200.00 100.00 200.00 RESULTS: Viscosity, cps- Initial 140 NT NT Room Temperature Appearance - Initial no separation separation separation Room Temp NT—Not Tested due to separation of samples in study. ¹Surfactant available from Cognis-Care Chemicals

Example 13 (Comparative)

-   -   Each composition in the following example contained, in parts by         weight:

Glufosinate 50% Concentrate 49 BREAK THRU 9903 Antifoam¹ 0.8 BREAK THRU S200 Silicone Surfactant² 0.6 Potassium Hydroxide 50% Solution 0.12 ^(1,2)Available from Degussa Corporation

SLES Example Solution % AL 2575% THFA % % Separation 13a 37.24 5.5 6.74 1.8 13b 35.62 4.5 9.36 17.8 13c 34 5.5 9.98 10.9 13d 34 4.5 10.98 12.96 13e 34 3.5 11.98 23.6 13f 37.24 3.5 8.74 12.7 13g 36.43 5 8.05 10.7 13h 35.08 3.5 10.9 21.8 13i 36.16 3.5 9.82 16.1 13j 35.08 5.5 8.9 7.4

-   -   While each of the mixtures in the above set exhibited some         degree of separation, the amount of separation was less as the         level of THFA solvent decreased and the level of APG surfactant         increased. Percent separation is a measurement of the height of         a separated phase compared to the total height of a sample.

Example 14

-   -   The following example illustrates the preparation of an         herbicidal composition in accordance with the present invention.         The ingredients were mixed together in the order listed:

INGREDIENT Percent by Weight Glufosinate 50% 48.600 AGNIQUE SLES 270¹ 34.544 AGNIQUE PG 8105² 9.850 THFA 5.500 BREAK THRU S200 0.600 BREAK THRU AF 9903 0.800 Potassium Hydroxide 50% Solution 0.100 D&C Red 17 0.006 TOTAL 100.000

RESULTS Gms Glufosinate/liter 280.00 Lbs Glufosinate/Gal 2.335 Viscosity cps - R.T. 216 Viscosity cps - 40° F./4.4° C. 640 Viscosity cps - 32° F./0° C. 788 Viscosity cps - 12° F./−10° C. 5400 ^(1,2)Available from AKZO NOBEL Surface Chemistry, LLC

-   -   Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been         described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident         to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the         details of the present invention may be made without departing         from the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid herbicidal composition comprising: a. 20 to 35 percent by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the composition; b. a lauryl ether sulfate or a salt thereof; c. an organic solvent; and d. a surfactant, wherein the organic solvent is an individual solvent or a solvent mixture, which is substantially miscible with water, and wherein the composition has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C.
 2. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, ether, amide, ketone, ester, nitrile, sulfoxide, sulfone, carbonate and combinations thereof.
 3. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 2, wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, ethers, alkylene glycol monoalkyl, alkylene glycol dialkyl ethers, and combinations thereof.
 4. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 2, wherein the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, alkanol having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and glycerol; the ether is selected from the group consisting of diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxane, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl and monoethyl ether, diglyme and tetraglyme; the amide is selected from the group consisting of dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide, dimethylcaprylamide, dimethylcapramide, and N-alkylpyrrolidones; the ketone is selected from the group consisting of acetone, cyclohexanone, acetophenone, and butrylolactone; the ester is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl mono-, di- and triacetate, phthalic esters, ethyl lactate, 2-ethylhexyl lactate, lactam, and carbonic diester; the nitrile is selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, and benzonitrile; the sulfoxide and sulfone is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sulfolane; and the carbonate is selected from the group consisting of propylene and butylene carbonate.
 5. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 2, wherein the organic solvent is either individually an aliphatic straight or branched alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atom or additionally combined with another organic solvent, which is substantially miscible with water
 6. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, iso-butanol, tert-butanol, sec-butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dimethylacetamide, cyclohexanone, acetophenone, butrylolactone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, and combinations thereof.
 7. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein the organic solvent is present in an amount of 1 to 20 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 8. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein the organic solvent is present in an amount of 3 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 9. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein said glufosinate or salt thereof is present in an amount from 22 to 28 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 10. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein said surfactant is present in an amount of 1 to 15 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 11. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of said glufosinate or a salt thereof (a) to the lauryl ether sulfate (b) ranges from 1:0.2 to 1:5.0.
 12. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein said (a) comprises a glufosinate salt selected from the group consisting of glufosinate-ammonium salt, glufosinate-potassium salt, and glufosinate-sodium salt.
 13. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises an agent selected from the group consisting of an auxiliary agent, a wetting agent, a dispersant, an emulsifier, a penetrant, a preservative, an antifreeze, and an evaporation inhibitor.
 14. A liquid herbicidal composition comprising: a. 20 to 35 percent by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the composition; b. a lauryl ether sulfate or a salt thereof; c. an organic solvent; and d. a C6-C16 alkyl polyglucoside, wherein the organic solvent is an individual solvent or a solvent mixture, which is substantially miscible with water and wherein the composition has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C.
 15. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 14, wherein said glufosinate or salt thereof is present in an amount from 22 to 28 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 16. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 14, wherein the organic solvent is present in an amount of 1 to 20 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 17. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 14, wherein the organic solvent is present in an amount of 3 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 18. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 14, wherein said surfactant is present in an amount of 1 to 15 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
 19. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 14, wherein said a) comprises a glufosinate salt selected from the group consisting of glufosinate-ammonium salt, glufosinate-potassium salt, and glufosinate-sodium salt.
 20. The liquid herbicidal composition of claim 14, wherein the weight ratio of said glufosinate or a salt thereof (a) to the lauryl ether sulfate (b) ranges from 1:0.2 to 1:5.0. 